Drinking Bulletproof Coffee
Bulletproof coffee is a creamy, smooth, and rather high fat coffee that has become popular in the wellness community and among the fitness health craze. It is made with freshly brewed coffee (preferably organic), grass-fed butter, and medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). Supporters of this diet claim that Bulletproof coffee has a range of benefits for the body, such as providing a quick energy source and aiding weight loss. While this type of coffee has sparked much debate amongst nutritionists, those who are wanting to give Bulletproof coffee a try may be wondering when it is best to drink it.
What is Bulletproof Coffee?
Bulletproof coffee is a hot beverage that is made by adding grass-fed butter and MCT oil to freshly brewed coffee. MCT oil is an extracted fatty acid from coconuts or palm oil that is processed and turned into oil. It is a concentrated source of medium-chain triglycerides, which are quickly absorbed by the body and can provide a convenient source of concentrated energy.
The idea for the drink is believed to have originated from Tibetian yak butter tea, which is a savory tea blended with butter and salt. The Bulletproof version uses butter from grass-fed cows and aims to increase cognitive performance. This is because when MCT oil is blended with the butter, it creates a fatty acid that is efficiently used by the body for energy.
Benefits of Bulletproof Coffee
Proponents of Bulletproof coffee claim that the drink can aid in weight loss by reducing hunger and cravings, as well as boosting energy levels. Although further research is needed regarding the potential health benefits of Bulletproof coffee, it is thought that consuming the drink can provide a range of other health benefits.
The main benefit of the drink is that it is rich in MCT oil, which can be a fast-acting source of energy. Furthermore, MCTs have been found to have a thermogenic effect, which means they can promote fat burning and weight loss. This is believed to occur as the body quickly absorbs and processes the oil, resulting in a rise in metabolism.
When Should You Drink Bulletproof Coffee?
When it comes to the best time to drink Bulletproof coffee, the most important factor is to listen to your own body’s needs. Generally speaking, many of those who enjoy Bulletproof coffee choose to drink it in the morning, as the fatty acids in the oil can help fuel the body for the day ahead.
Some people opt to drink Bulletproof coffee as a meal replacement, due to its high-fat content, stating that it keeps them satiated and helps prevent cravings. Others, however, view it more as an additional energy-boosting drink, rather than an all-out meal replacement. By drinking Bulletproof coffee in the morning, they can reap the benefits of the MCTs and start the day with an extra boost of energy.
Like with any type of food or beverage, everyone’s body is different and so the best time to drink Bulletproof coffee may vary. Some people may find that drinking Bulletproof coffee can prevent them from getting hungry during the day, although others may find that it causes them to have a sugar crash later in the day. It all depends on the individual and so it is recommended to try it out and listen to your body’s cues.
Healthy Alternatives to Bulletproof Coffee
Although many people choose to drink Bulletproof coffee to benefit from the possible health benefits, it does not come without its downsides. As discussed, the drink is high in fat, which could increase cholesterol levels and ultimately increase the risk of developing conditions such as heart disease. Those who wish to benefit from MCTs without the risk of consuming too much fat, may wish to opt for a healthier alternative.
This could include adding MCT oil to already brewed coffee, rather than adding butter, as this would still provide a source of energy, without the extra calories. Furthermore, rather than completely replacing a meal with Bulletproof coffee, people could try adding a small amount of freshly brewed coffee to a healthy, balanced breakfast. This way, the body can still get a hit of energy from the MCTs, without overindulging on fat.
Conclusion
Overall, bulletproof coffee is a unique way of consuming energy-rich fats that can help to provide a quick, efficient burst of energy. However, as with any food and beverage, when deciding to drink bulletproof coffee, it is important to listen to your body’s needs and to also think about healthier alternatives. While drinking Bulletproof coffee in the morning is a popular choice, everyone’s body is different and so the best time to drink it may vary.
Expanding on the Benefits of MCTs
In recent years, MCTs have become increasingly popular due to their potential health benefits. Monthly, millions of people buy them as a dietary supplement, hoping to improve their cognitive health, energy production, and athletic performance.
MCTs are especially important for those on a ketogenic diet. This type of diet is focused on low carbohydrate intake and is known to aid weight loss and improved metabolic health. MCTs are an essential source of energy for individuals on this type of diet due to the fact that they can easily enter the body’s fat-breaking pathways and provide a clean source of energy that is free from carbohydrate.
Research into MCTs has also looked at the effect that they have on the brain. Studies have shown that MCTs are able to pass through the blood-brain barrier easily and produce ketone bodies, which can act as an alternative fuel to the brain. Furthermore, research suggests that they can help to improve memory, learning, and overall cognitive performance.
Further research is still needed to understand the full effects of MCTs on the body, however, many studies have supported the theory that MCTs can offer a range of health benefits, including improved energy production and cognitive performance.
Consuming MCTs in Different Ways
Those who are thinking of regularly consuming MCTs in order to reap some of the potential health benefits may be wondering what the best way to do so is. While Bulletproof coffee is one option, there are a number of other ways to include MCTs in your diet.
The most common way of consuming MCTs is to buy them as a dietary supplement. This is a convenient way to get a dose of MCTs into the body, without having to change what you eat or drink. However, when taking MCTs as a supplement, it is important to check that it is of a high quality and free from harmful additives. One way to ensure this is to look out for organic, non-GMO labels on the packaging.
MCTs can also be found in certain foods and in certain oils, such as coconut oil, with coconut being the number one source of MCTs. Other sources include palm oil and dairy products, such as milk and yogurt. While this is a great way to get MCTs into your diet, as previously mentioned, it is important to check for grass-fed and organic sources.
Potential Side Effects of MCTs
Whilst MCTs have the potential to bring a range of health benefits, they can cause side effects if they are not taken in moderation. Consuming too much MCT can cause gastrointestinal distress such as nausea, cramping, and diarrhoea, as well as fatigue, dizziness and headaches.
It is important to remember that everyone’s body is different, and so not everyone will react the same way to MCTs. If you are thinking of using MCTs supplements to boost your energy, it is important to approach them with care and to start by taking small doses and monitoring the effects on your own body. In this way, you can decide if the supplement is a good fit for you.
Risks of Consuming Too Much MCTs
It is important to note that, although MCTs have the potential to bring a range of health benefits, the body is designed to only consume a certain amount of MCTs in one go. Consuming too much MCT can cause the body to go into ketosis, which is an abnormal state where the body has too much acetone in the blood.
The body naturally produces ketone bodies as part of its energy cycling, however, if too many ketones are present in the blood, it can result in ketoacidosis, which can become life-threatening. Whilst not everyone will experience this, it is important to consume MCTs in moderation and to be aware of the potential risks.
Tips for Taking MCTs
When taking MCTs, it is important to start slowly and slowly build up your intake. Begin by consuming no more than one teaspoon per day and then monitor your body’s response. If taking MCTs as a supplement, it is important to check the dosage instructions and not take more than recommended. It is also advisable to have some food or drink when taking MCTs.
When consuming MCTs it is also important to remember that they can be used to replace other fats in the diet, rather than in addition to them. This means that, rather than adding MCTs to your current diet, it is best to replace other fats with MCTs, such as butter with coconut oil.
It is also important to use high-quality MCTs. This means looking for organic, non-GMO sources, to ensure no unnecessary additives. Furthermore, it is advisable to check that the MCTs are processed in a way that does not disrupt the oil’s natural fatty acid chains.
